The International Nuremberg Principles Academy, in co-operation with the Centre for International Law Research and Policy (CILRAP), conducted an international expert conference on ”Integrity in International Justice” in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 1-2 December 2018. More than 40 internationally renowned experts, practitioners and scholars, observed by a large international audience, gathered in the Peace Palace to discuss the role of the individual in international justice institutions.
In a series of six panels, the experts discussed the notion of integrity from different angles, covering the normative perspective as well as its practical impact in the role of the States, in international justice institutions, as well as in cases and proceedings. The conference also analyzed the relation between independence and integrity in international justice. Specific topics of debate included, inter alia, different concepts of integrity, integrity and the political exposure of international criminal justice, the role of communication and empathy, sexual harassment, ethics standards setting and mechanisms in international justice institutions and measuring of integrity.
“The framework conditions in international justice and the individual commitment of each actor are crucial criteria for the fair application, the advancement and the universal acceptance of international criminal law. This is the reason why the International Nuremberg Principles Academy is pleased to provide a forum for dialogue and critical reflection on this particular topic,“ emphasized Klaus Rackwitz, the Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy.
Professor Morten Bergsmo, the Director of CILRAP underlined that “when serious integrity problems within international courts become manifest, they tend to affect the external reputation of and support for the institution, and erode morale among staff. Improving the international justice institutions from within thus enables them to withstand growing scrutiny, which is a very timely challenge.”
The list of speakers included amongst others James Stewart (International Criminal Court), Morten Bergsmo (CILRAP), Hans Corell (formerly United Nations), Richard J. Goldstone (formerly International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia), Hanne Sophie Greve (Gulating High Court for Western Norway), Brigid Inder (Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice), Karim A.A. Khan (United Nations), Marc Perrin de Brichambaut (International Criminal Court) and Klaus Rackwitz (International Nuremberg Principles Academy).